ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Intense Thunderstorm activity over Northwest India during 15 -17 April
Analysis of Weather Conditions
Numerical model products, satellite information, and analysis of weather observations are indicating that a strong western disturbance is approaching and would adversely affect weather over Northwest India including Delhi-NCR during 15-17 April with peak activity on 16 April. The western disturbance on approaching Northwest India will draw fresh moisture from Arabian Sea as well as from Bay of Bengal, with both the streams confluence over central India and neighbourhood. The thermodynamic atmospheric conditions would become favorable for development of instability in the atmosphere and occurrence of widespread Thunderstorm activity over the region.
Weather Forecast for 15-17 April
- Rainfall activity would occur at most places over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand mainly on 16-17 April.
- Light to moderate rainfall/thundershowers would occur at many places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and West Uttar Pradesh and at a few places over Rajasthan and East Uttar Pradesh.
Weather Warnings for 16-17 April
- Heavy rainfall very likely to occur at isolated places over Western Himalayan region.
- Intense Rainfall spells also likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi.
- Thunderstorm accompanied with lightening, Hailstorm and squall with wind speed of 60-70 KMPH gusting to 80 KMPH very likely over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & West Uttar Pradesh and with wind speed of 40-50 KMPH gusting to 60 KMPH over Rajasthan and East Uttar Pradesh.
Forecast for Delhi/NCR
Partly Cloudy Sky with possibility of Thundery development and gusty winds likely on 15 April. However, weather is likely to be intense on 16-17 April with generally cloudy conditions and Thunderstorms accompanied with lightening, Hailstorm and squall with wind speed of 60-70 KMPH gusting to 80 KMPH.
Special Service and Features
Jeeva Maria Joy takes charge as RPO
Jeeva Maria Joy, Indian Foreign Service officer of 2016 batch assumed charge as Regional Passport Officer, Thiruvananthapuram. She has previously served as Second Secretary in the Embassy of India in Madrid, Spain, and as Under Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi. She assumed charge on 21st October, 2022.
RPO may be contacted via email rpo.trivandrum@mea.gov.in or +91 80896 85796 
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Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Oath Ceremony to Newly Nominated Members of the Governing Body of the Development and Welfare Board for Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
The Chairman, Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities  and Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment administered oath to newly nominated Members of DWBDNCs. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has constituted Development Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities  in 21-02-2019.
Shri Bharatbhai Babubhai Patani, one of the new appointees has been working with the DNT  communities in the State of Gujarat for decades. The other appointee Shri Pravin Shivaji Rao Ghuge, has been the Chairperson of Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights in the past.
The Governing Body of the Board subsequently discussed various issues of the sector including the strategies for the implementation of the "Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs", which is a Central Sector Scheme for providing Housing, Livelihood generation, Educational empowerment and Health Insurance for these communities with a budget outlay of Rs.40.00 crore for the current financial year. The thrust of the discussions was to ensure participation of the States/UTs as well as other Central Government Ministries/Departments in a convergence mode so as to supplement the needs of DNT communities.
NITI Aayog
Clarification
For the last few days, emails are being sent to the Prime Minister and other authorities by various people and organizations raising concerns about the alleged proposal by NITI Aayog for inclusion of livestock items under PDS referring to the Vision Document of NITI Aayog.
It is clarified that NITI Aayog has never proposed or even discussed inclusion of egg, meat, fish or any other livestock item under PDS or any other nutrition intervention programme. The news contained in some of the newspapers is mischievous and without any basis. NITI Aayog would like to ensure all concerned that it does not propose to make any such suggestion or recommendation that hurts the sentiments of any section of the society.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves raising Extra Budgetary Resources upto Rs. 9020 crore for Long Term Irrigation Fund during the year 2017-18
Cabinet approves raising Extra Budgetary Resources upto Rs. 9020 crore for Long Term Irrigation Fund during the year 2017-18
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has given its approval for raising Extra Budgetary Resources  of upto Rs. 9020 crore as per the requirement during 2017-18 by NABARD through issuance of Bonds for ensuring lending rate of 6% per annum  in respect of borrowings for implementation of Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme  works of 99 ongoing prioritized irrigation projects along with their command area development  works under PMKSY.
A large number of major and medium irrigation projects taken up under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme  were languishing mainly due to inadequate provision of funds. During 2016-17, 99 ongoing projects under PMKSY- AIBP were identified for completion in phases by December-2019. To cater to the large fund requirement and ensure completion of these projects, the Union Finance Minister, during his Budget speech 2016-17, announced creation of dedicated Long Term Irrigation Fund  in NABARD with an initial corpus of Rs. 20,000 crore for funding of Central and State share for the identified ongoing projects under PMKSY .
To make the loan from NABARD attractive for states, it was decided that the rate of interest may be kept around 6% by providing requisite cost free funds to NABARD every year during 2016-17 to 2019-20 on which interest cost would be borne by Govt. of India.
During the year 2016-17, NABARD disbursed aggregate amount of Rs. 9086.02 crore under LTIF, out of which Rs. 2414.16 crore was released for Polavaram project  and balance Rs. 6671.86 crore was released to identified projects using EBR. Further, an amount of Rs. 924.9 crore was disbursed as Central Assistance  through budgetary provision. During 2016-17, overall an amount of Rs 2187 crore was raised by NABARD in the form of Government of India fully serviced bond as EBR.
During 2017-18, it is estimated that an amount of Rs 29,000 Crore may be required through LTIF, for which EBR of Rs 9020 cr would be required.
As per the status reported by the states and Central Water Commission during various review meeting, 18 projects have been completed/almost completed. Irrigation potential utilization is expected to be more than 14 lakh hectares during 2016-17 from all the 99 projects. During 2017-18, 33 more projects are likely to be completed. The completion of the identified irrigation projects will generate immediate wage and other employment opportunities in good measure during the construction phase. More importantly, on completion of the projects, the utilization of irrigation potential of about 76 lakh hectares will transform the agriculture scenario of the region resulting in generation of substantially more employment opportunities through increase in cropping intensity, change in cropping pattern, agro processing and other ancillary activities.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Directorate General of Foreign Trade  further Simplifies the process of levying Composition Fee for Export Obligation Extension to include more cases under Advance Authorization Scheme
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade  has notified amended rules for implementing all PRC  decisions regarding the levy of Composition Fee. DGFT is extending the benefit of reduced Composition Fee for cases where it has allowed an extension in EOP  and/or regularization of exports already made. This was notified vide Public Notice No. 59/2015-20 on February 28, 2023 by amending Para 4.42 of Handbook of Procedures .
The rationalization of Composition Fee calculations aids in automation and accelerated delivery of services by attempting to make the procedure simpler and more understandable. The revised Composition Fee model, which is based on a specific rate for different levels of the 'CIF value of Authorisation,' is less complicated and simpler to calculate. This will assist in streamlining the compliance process with minimal human intervention, reducing the risk of discrepancies and confusions.
Automating the process will result in faster service delivery by reducing the need for manual calculations and paperwork. This initiative aims to integrate a uniform and transparent system for implementing all PRC decisions, including past decisions related to levying Composition Fee in the case of extending Export Obligation Period  and/or regularization of exports made under the Advance Authorization Scheme. The goal is to make doing business easier and reduce transaction costs.
Calculation simplification also contributes to the "Ease of Doing Business" mission by reducing complexity and making the procedures relatively easy for exporters.
DGFT is working towards this goal by making the Composition Fee calculation procedure smoother and easier to understand for exporters. This initiate started with Public Notice No. 52 dated 18.01.2023 and continues with this PN issued today. These initiatives will eventually result in stronger trade facilitation and ease of doing business.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
RCF has contributed immensely towards India's Agricultural & Industrial growth
RCF Crosses Rs. 200 Crore Mark In Cumulative Sales of Its Industrial Products in the Current Financial Year on 27th July 2020
Despite the COVID-19 challenging situation Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd.  a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has been successful in keeping its operations running and has crossed the milestone of Rs. 200 Crore in sales of its Industrial Products in the current Financial year 2020-21 up to 27th July 2020 .
As per a the statement of the company Rs. 100 Crore was achieved in 67 days whereas the next Rs. 100 Crore was achieved only within 51 days.
RCF's Industrial Products Division  has 23 products in its portfolio which are key inputs for other industries viz. pharmaceuticals, pesticides, mining, bakery products, fibers, leather etc. RCF has remained a strong driving force for furthering agricultural and industrial growth of the nation during these challenging times.
Company has immensely contributed towards ensuring "Food Security" and endeavored to provide uninterrupted supply of fertilizers to farmers. Despite several constraints during this year because of COVID pandemic especially in supply chain logistics, RCF has been successful in producing more than 5.9
Lakh MT of fertilizers in the 1st Quarter of 2020-21 and has already produced more than 2.3 Lakh MT of fertilizers in the month of July 2020. RCF has also imported more than 2 Lakh MT of complex fertilizers of various grades to overcome the shortages in the country. As State Trading Enterprise, company has imported more than 13 Lakh MT of Urea on behalf of the Department of Fertilizers.
As a socially responsible corporate it has contributed by multiple means towards fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. RCF employees have contributed wholeheartedly towards the PM Cares Fund and to CM Relief Fund. Company has made available its Hostel premises as a COVID Care Centre. It has also provided an ambulance to the collector's office in Alibag along with other supportive activities.
During this period, RCF has followed all the guidelines issued by the authorities and ensured uninterrupted production of fertilizers and industrial products with support of all its employees and with the support & guidance of the Department of Fertilizers, Government of India.
Ministry of Defence
Naval Phase of Defence Correspondents Course 2019 concludes at Mumbai
The Navy and Coast Guard leg of the 2019 edition of the Defence Correspondents Course  concluded at Mumbai on 31 Aug 19. The course was conducted at Western Naval Command, Mumbai and coordinated by the Maritime Warfare Centre . The course aimed to enlighten journalists on nuances of naval operations and their significance and in the long run build a pool of journalists who understand the Armed Forces.
During the Navy and Coast Guard phase of a week, which started on 26 Aug, over the first three days, the DCC participants were apprised on organisation, roles and responsibility of the Navy, Coast Guard and the Naval Value System. They visited the Naval Dockyard Mumbai and were also taken for the Heritage Walk around the dockyard. The course also visited frontline submarines and warships of Indian Navy as well as the Coast Guard. A visit to the Joint Operations Centre  and a brief on the coastal security construct brought the participants up to speed on the nuances and workings of the coastal defence mechanism.
The highlight of the course, in their own words, was the one-day sea sortie on a frontline frigate of the Navy, INS Brahmaputra. A few participants even had the opportunity to participate in naval activities being conducted at sea.
The naval leg culminated with a valedictory reception hosted by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet  for the participants and the organisers where the understanding and bonhomie between the teachers and the students made it clear that the naval leg was successful in its primary task. The DCC now moves to Chandigarh for the phase with the Indian Air Force.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways announces Several Welfare Measures for Sahayaks/License Porters
Sahayaks are the integral part of Indian Railways. They act as a link between Railways and the passengers being available round the clock for the convenience of the passengers. Presently approximately 20,000 Sahayaks are working over various railway stations of Indian Railways. With the advent of lifts and escalators on railway stations along with increased usage of luggage trolleys, the role of license porters has under gone change. In view of persistent demands from license porters and to make their working more comfortable, Indian Railways has taken several measures towards their welfare
- Uniform: Presently, two red shirts are supplied every year as Uniform and one woollen shirt is also given once in two years in lieu of one red shirt. It has been decided to supply three red shirts and one woolen shirt every year..
- Issue of passes: At present, one set of complimentary cheque pass and one set of Privilege Ticket Order  for self and spouse is being given to Sahayaks. It has been decided to give two sets of Privilege Ticket Orders  for self and wife every year.
- Extension of validity of cheque pass: Presently, the validity of the complimentary pass issued to Sahayaks is two month. It has been decided to extend the validity of the complimentary pass to five months at par with railway staff.
- Rest room facilities : Presently, Sahayak can utilize the facility of waiting halls, laterins, canteens etc provided at stations for passengers. Some stations have also been provided with Sahayaks Rest Rooms. Now it has been decided that Sahayaks Rest Rooms will be progressively provided at all stations having a strength of 50 and more Sahayaks. These Rest Rooms will be provided with TV, RO water and barrack beds.
- Path ways: Sahayaks are free to use railways’ Light trolleys/Hand barrows for carriage of passenger luggage. It has been decided that the pathways shall be constructed at all major stations for smooth movement of trolleys/Hand barrows.
- Free Education for wards of Sahayaks: Presently, free education facility is being provided to the wards of Sahayaks in the schools run by Railways’ and Railwaymen’s organization/Mahilla Samitis. It has been decided to extend the facility to the schools run by Railways and Railwaymens’ organization /Mahila samitis at any station in the division where the Sahayaks are working.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
DoPT exempts pregnant women officials and staff members from attending office.
Persons with disabilities also given similar exemption from attending office.
Department of Personnel & Training  has exempted pregnant women officials and staff members from attending office. This was disclosed here today by Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh. He said, a circular to this effect has been issued and is expected to be followed by different Ministries/Departments as well as State/Union Territory governments.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, pregnant women employees who are not already on maternity leave will also be exempted from attending office. Persons with disabilities are also to be given similar exemption from attending office.
The latest circular issued by the DoPT also states that Government servants who have underlying Co-morbidities and were undergoing treatment for these ailments before the lockdown, may, as far as possible, be exempted upon production of medical prescription from treating physician as per the CGHS/CS  Rules, as applicable.
What is important, is to strictly observe staggered timings for the arrival and departure of the officers and the staff. In order to avoid unnecessary crowding, all the Heads of Departments have been advised to ensure three sets of timings. These would be 9 AM to 5 PM, 9:30 AM to 6 PM and 10 AM to 6:30 PM respectively.
While officers of the level of Deputy Secretary and above are expected to attend office on all working days, the officers and staff below the level of Deputy Secretary will attend office with 50% attendance every alternative day and those not attending the office should work from home and remain available on telephone and electronically.
Dr.Jitendra Singh appreciated the staff in the Ministry of Personnel for having continued to work with full commitment during the entire phase of lockdown. In fact, he said, some of the staff members were working from home even during the weekends which normally does not happen when the offices are closed.
Every care has been taken to ensure that while offices continue to function, at the same time, the welfare and safety of officials is not overlooked, said Dr Jitendra Singh.
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Ministry of Steel
The International Yoga Day celebrated by Steel Minister and Yoga Enthusiasts at Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
Marking the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav year at 75 iconic sites across the country
Yoga helps to make life healthy and joyful: Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh
Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, Government of India celebrated International Day of Yoga  2022 with ‘Yoga for Humanity’ as the theme, in the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav year at 75 iconic sites across the country. The Union Minister of Steel, Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh marked the IDY celebration by practicing Common Yoga Protocol  involving more than one thousand Yoga enthusiasts at Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
Addressing the event at Bodh Gaya, the Minister highlighted the benefits of Yoga for mind, body and soul in everyone life. Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh said that nation is grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister for making this ancient Indian practice, an Internationally recognised celebration through International Yoga Day. The Steel Minister also added International Yoga Day is many of the new beginnings that have been made under PM’s dynamic leadership that will continue to define India for several decades.
Art of Living, Bihar Chapter, being the coordinating Yoga institution facilitated the event and Common Yoga Protocol was performed under the supervision of their trainer.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
“Namo” shows us how a ruler and a citizen should be: Director Vijeesh Mani
“Sanskrit not receiving due attention, hence I made a movie in Sanskrit”
Panaji, 23rd Jauary 2021
A film which both promotes the rich tradition of the Sanskrit language and takes us back to the age-old Krishna-Kulecha story. That is what Namo, an IFFI 51 Indian Panorama Feature Film endeavours to do. “Sanskrit is a rich language but I found it has not been receiving much attention. Hence, I wanted to make a movie in the Sanskrit language.” Director Vijeesh Mani said this, addressing a press conference in Panaji, Goa today, January 23, 2021, at the 51st International Film Festival of India. The 102-minute 2019 film has been screened at the festival yesterday.
What is the central message of the film? Mani explains: “The film shows us how a ruler and a citizen should be. The plot of ‘Namo’ begins in the present, and goes on to connect us back to the relationship between Krishna and Sudhama.”
The Krishna-Kuchela story is often told to illustrate that God does not differentiate between people based on their financial status. He always rewards real devotion. As per the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Sri Krishna studied at the Ashramam of Guru Sandipan along with Kuchela , a poor Brahmin boy. Very soon, both become close friends, but part ways after completing their studies. Later Sri Krishna ruled the Kingdom of Dwaraka, while his true friend Kuchela remained poor, earning his bread by singing Sree Krishna bhajans.
The director pointed out that the Namo crew had a wide range of artists hailing from different parts of the country. “Padma Shri Anoop Jalota gave the music, B. Lenin Sir edited it and cinematographer Loganathan captured it.”
He reveals his directorial aspiration to try out different genres of films. “I always wanted to direct films of different genres. My first film Vishwaguru  – was completed in 51 hours, all the way from script to screening. The film was recorded in Guinness World Records as the fastest produced film. It was also released in theatres.”
He informed how he is able to retain the autonomy in the choice of his preferred genres. “I myself produce all my films. This gives me the freedom to decide the genre independently. I am on my own and hence I can do many experiments with film making.”
The director has made films in tribal languages too. His film ‘Netaji’ is the first film to have been made in ‘Irula’, a Dravidian language spoken by inhabitants of Nilgiri Hills. This film entered Guinness Records for being the first film in this tribal language. The film was also screened last year in 2019 during the 50th IFFI in Goa. His other films include Puzhayamma , which has been shot completely in a river, and Mmmmm . Puzhayamma is an environmental awareness film which got a place in Asian Book of Records.
Vijeesh Mani is also an Organic farmer and an active member of Swachh Bharat Mission. He holds a Doctorate from Kings University, Hawaii.
Prime Minister's Office
PM calls on President, Vice President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind and Shri Venkaiah Naidu on Diwali
The Prime Minister , Shri Narendra Modi met with President Smt Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Shri Ram Nath Kovind and Shri Venkaiah Naidu to greet them on Diwali.
In a series of tweets the Prime Minister said: